Calories in Brown Rice: Full Nutrition Breakdown

Brown rice is a whole grain that retains its bran and germ layers, giving it more fiber, vitamins, and minerals than white rice. One cup of cooked long-grain brown rice provides approximately 216 calories, 45 grams of carbs, 3.5 grams of fiber, and 5 grams of protein. It is also a good source of magnesium, phosphorus, and B vitamins.

Calories by serving size:

Because brown rice keeps its outer bran layer, it delivers nearly six times the fiber of white rice per serving. The additional nutrients and slower digestion rate make brown rice a popular choice for those looking to manage blood sugar levels or increase their whole grain intake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does brown rice compare to white rice nutritionally?

Brown rice contains significantly more fiber, magnesium, and B vitamins than white rice because it retains the bran and germ. A cup of cooked brown rice has about 3.5 grams of fiber compared to just 0.6 grams in white rice. The calorie difference is minimal — 216 versus 205 per cooked cup — but the nutrient density of brown rice is considerably higher.

How much fiber is in a cup of brown rice?

One cup of cooked long-grain brown rice contains approximately 3.5 grams of dietary fiber, which is about 12% of the daily recommended intake. This fiber comes from the intact bran layer and helps support digestive health, steady blood sugar levels, and prolonged satiety after meals.

Is brown rice better for weight loss than white rice?

Brown rice may have a slight edge for weight loss due to its higher fiber and protein content, both of which promote fullness and reduce overall calorie intake. Studies show that people who eat more whole grains tend to have lower body weight. However, portion control matters more than the type of rice you choose.

Should I be concerned about arsenic in brown rice?

Rice does absorb more arsenic from the soil than most other grains, and brown rice tends to have higher levels than white because arsenic concentrates in the outer bran layer. You can reduce arsenic content by rinsing rice thoroughly and cooking it in excess water, then draining. Varying your grain intake with options like quinoa and oats is also a good strategy.

Why does brown rice take longer to cook than white rice?

Brown rice takes about 40 to 50 minutes to cook compared to 15 to 20 minutes for white rice because the bran layer acts as a protective barrier that slows water absorption. Soaking brown rice for 30 minutes before cooking can reduce the cooking time. The longer cook time is a tradeoff for the significantly higher fiber and nutrient content.